Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Council urged the relevant authorities on Monday to ensure participation of the mayor Waseem Akhtar, presently an under trial prisoner (UTP), at the council sessions. The KMC council representatives expressed grave concern over the denial of permission to the City Mayor to attend the second consecutive session despite their unanimous resolution for the release of Waseem Akhtar in their first session on September 28.
PTI's parliamentary leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi said why the authorities were not allowing the Mayor to attend the council sessions. He said that on one hand, Waseem Akhtar was allowed to take oath as mayor at a ceremony and on the other hand he was denied permission to attend the KMC council sessions. "Deputy Mayor Arshad Vohra should talk to the concerned authorities and inform us whether the charges against Waseem Akhtar are bail-able or not. Resolutions and discussions on the issue are useless as long as the council members are not informed about the response of judiciary and government in this regard," he said urging Vohra to chalk out a plan that could make sure the presence of Mayor at the session.
In response to his speech, Arshad Vohra informed that the Municipal Commissioner in a letter to the relevant authorities had requested theme to ensure Mayor's participation. He said an NOC was also obtained from the court as well. However, neither the Home Department give permission nor gave any written response," he said. The session also approved a unanimous resolution for construction of new Council Hall for its members. The present floor is congested. It is not capable enough to accommodate all 308 members impeding smooth proceedings.
The resolution urged a new council hall should be constructed as per the strength of Council members so that they can play their role in the interest of Karachi and for its progress. It also proposed new hall should also have press gallery and specific seats and gallery for guests.
The council also expressed grave concern over unprovoked Indian aggression at the line of control (LOC). Adopting a unanimous condemnation resolution, it termed the fresh Indian moves an attempt to divert attention of the international community from Indian Army's brutal assault towards innocent Kashmiris. The KMC council members resolved to expresses solidarity with Pakistan Army. It noted that all political parties are untied on national security and entire nation pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with armed forces.
The Council passed another resolution demanding the Sindh Government to increase OZT amount from Rs 100, 000 to Rs 500,000 per month so that the union committees could perform their duties diligently. The council also approved a unanimous resolution for an immediate operation of two NADRA offices at Balida Town so that the applications and complaints of the residents could be entertained.